Living Our Sunshine with Susann Deysel
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3 Mins Read

Natural skincare by BaoCare

I have been promising to write about my experience with BaoCare Radiance for some time now – and here it finally is…

I’ve used facial oil before, but this is the first time I’ve used a product with baobab oil as an ingredient. However, I’m quite keen to try new products and if they happen to come from the far north… a little bit intrigued.

BaoCare Radiance - South African Beauty Blogger

Visible difference

Day 1 with the BaoCare Radiance my skin literally slurped up the oil and absorbed it. I used 2 drops and my skin didn’t feel oily (as if when you put on vitamin E oil). If I can describe the feeling it is like putting on a night cream, but one that doesn’t feel heavy.

By day 3 there was a visible change to my skin. It didn’t look as dull and dry – plus it was super soft. My wrinkles (yes, I have those) were soft and less visible too. I’m now using the BaoCare Radiance oil on my face, neck and decolletage and it takes 3 or 4 drops.

I actually started getting compliments about my skin – which is a first for me.

  • “Your skin is glowing”
  • “Are you doing something different? Your skin looks beautiful!”

This photo has no filter or brightness adjustment and was taken after about 2 weeks of using the BaoCare Radiance. I had foundation on, but it’s not heavy, with no special techniques – everyday quick make-up. PS. don’t try to guess my age as even on my worst days I look younger – focus on the middle of my forehead and on my nose bridge between the eyes as here I usually have deep lines.

BaoCare used by South African Beauty Blogger

The BaoCare Radiance retails for under R200 and is available from www.baocare.co.za, Wellness Warehouse and Faithful to Nature.

What’s in the product?

It is 100% natural and is made up of a luxurious blend of oils for mature skin (40+). The small brown seed found in the fruit pod contains the oil that is cold-pressed from it.

  • Baobab oil – moisturising and helps to regenerate skin cells
  • Jojoba – helps with elasticity abd softens the sin
  • Pomegranate – protects against damage from UV light, promotes collagen synthesis and skin repair

BaoCare promises to be free from synthetic chemical ingredients and parabens.

The BaoCare range

  • Radiance
  • 100% Pure Baobab Oil
  • Tissue Oil
  • Eczema Skin Care
  • Acne Skin Care

Culture of caring

The baobab oil is wild-harvested in the heart of baobab country, Limpopo, by (mostly) women from the Venda communities in the area. EcoProducts, the manufacturers of BaoCare, also support pre-school crèches and the Baobab Guardians Program, a baobab tree planting initiative

About baobab trees

Baobabs are very hardy and can survive harsh, near desert conditions. It has adapted to its environment by learning how to conserve water. It is unlike other trees as it can regenerate its own damaged bark. Its fruit (yum) and leaves are exceptionally nourishing. Plus these trees live for a really long time.

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2 Mins Read

Last Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

I know there are some last minute gift shoppers out there, so I’m going to share some ideas that you can order today still and get in time for the weekend (hopefully). Mostly they won’t break the bank either 🙂

BaoCare Radiance

Help your mom (or yourself) to have a softer skin. I have used it for over 3 weeks and I can see the difference. My skin is literally glowing and less wrinkly. I still have a full post in my drafts about my experience with this Baobab, Jojoba & Pomegranate product all the way from Limpopo. (Retails at R182)

Find a stockist or buy online here.

BaoCare - The Whimsical Whippet Stoneglow Diffuser - South African Blogger and Freelance Writer Susann Deysel

Don’t be shy to add a make-up bag or something else from the range to your shopping – when you support them, you support local people.

Matsimela Home Spa Products

It’s not just bath salts and bath bombs. When you look at their website you will discover their little secret – they actually have amazing products that are affordable.
Yes, this is some of my own personal stash – after it was raided multiple times by family. The big tubs in the back… that is my dirty little secret to being relaxed.

Matsimela Home Spa The Whimsical Whippet Stoneglow Diffuser - South African Blogger and Freelance Writer Susann Deysel

If you can’t make it to a Matsimela retail store, buy it online.

They also have a promo with a free rose gold bag if you buy any of the Mother’s Day gift sets. Prices on the website start at around R55 and gift sets from R250. This will inspire you a little:

Light a candle, make a room smell pretty

I posted a while ago about what is on my desk and you would’ve spotted a Shearer Candle (Tropical Watermelon, R340).

South African Blogger and Freeland writer Susann Deysel
However, I picked up something from www.thewhimsicalwhippet.co.za that I fell in love with the first time I saw it, a diffuser from Stoneglow. It has the message “And so the Adventure Begins” on and smells very sweet (sweet rose and pink proscecco). This costs R460, but prices start from around R130 for something smaller but just as fragrant. For your own mom, or yourself, you will find something that is perfect.

The Whimsical Whippet Stoneglow Diffuser - South African Blogger and Freelance Writer Susann Deysel

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2 Mins Read

Make the ethical choice when buying skincare products

Did you know that your skincare products’ impact is far greater than just skin-deep? Being ethical in your choice of skincare products can have a major positive impact towards protecting the planet, those we share it with and our own health.

So, what is the distinction between the beauty buzzwords ‘cruelty-free’ and ‘vegan’?

Vegan skincare products are generally made from natural or organic ingredients but don’t contain animal ingredients or by-products. That means no honey, beeswax, lanolin, fish collagen, carmine, cholesterol, gelatin, squalene and stearic acid.

The Oolala Collection is backed by Beauty Without Cruelty and VeganSA. This means all 45 distinct products across nine categories are completely 100% animal-friendly. If you’re thinking we’ve replaced effectiveness with ethics, you’ll be excited to know our range is the leader in cutting-edge luxury and healthy skincare.

Oolala Collection

The ingredients in our skincare range speak for themselves. Extensive research has clearly shown us why using cruelty-free and vegan skincare is a healthy alternative to regular products. Although prohibitive many mainstream skincare brands continue to use highly toxic and carcinogenic chemicals such as parabens, formaldehyde and triclosan. Since your skin can only do so much to protect you, these chemicals are transferable to your body’s lymphatic system, putting you at risk of cancer and endocrine disorders.

We offer innovative products that are gentle on the skin, non-toxic to the body and that incorporates the latest, cutting-edge peptide technologies for skin remodelling and anti-aging improvement. The products incorporate high concentrations of peptides and active ingredients that exceed, the efficiency of all other advanced skincare lines on the market. Safe and healthy products are the focus of the Oolala Collection Skincare line.

Don’t just be a pretty face.

Join The Oolala Collection community that stands for Beauty with Brains and a Heart.

To find out more about Daniella Shapiro and The Oolala Collection Club click here: www.oolalacollection.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheOolalaCollectionClub

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theoolalacollection

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2 Mins Read

It’s a home spa heaven at my place – thanks to Matsimela!

I’m literally buggered. I was sick for just over 2 weeks in March with bronchitis but I worked right through it all, because that’s what you do. Then we went off to Salt Rock so hubby could go help his mom on the South Coast to sort out his dad’s belongings. I took my mom along, but with being weakened from being sick, the humidity and the kid it really took a toll on me.

When I got back to Joburg a package from Matsimela was waiting for me and I almost burst out crying from being thankful. I actually just thought that there must be someone out there that felt the vibes I was sending out.

So, what was in the box…

Matsimela Sandalwood and Vanilla Homespa products

Bunny soaps that smell like delicious “tameletjie” or really nice toffee. I could barely believe that it was just a soap. When you lather it up in your hands it is just to die for.

Matsimela Bunny

An amazing palm soap in Vanilla and Sandalwood. Showering that first day with this bar of soap was like a mini relaxing spa. It’s like having a delicious luxury that I don’t have to share with anyone – and I love it!

Matsimela Sandalwood and Vanilla Homespa products

I have written so many times about Matsimela’s bath soaks – and not just about the ones they’ve sent, but also the ones I buy. It’s a little tub of heaven that you can just drag out (of your secret hiding place) and pour into a nice bath for a bit of relaxation. I have given so many of these little tubs away as gifts as they are simply divine and won’t break the bank.

The new one is also Vanilla Sandalwood Kalahari Bath Soak and believe me when I say that you need to try it.

 

Matsimela Sandalwood and Vanilla Homespa products

If by now you still haven’t gotten your hands on Matsimela products, visit www.matsimelaonline.com and spoil yourself – or drop a hint with hubby, family or friends that you need to be spoilt asap! What I like about Matsimela is that you have so much choice and every single product just smells soooooo good

Matsimela products on spoon

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Under the Christmas tree – gifts made with love in Africa: Matsimela Home Spa

Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling. – Edna Ferber

Last week before Christmas… and I have more tips on gifts that are made locally. This time it is from Matsimela.

I discovered them quite a few years ago when they were still in Deco Park in Johannesburg. Now that they have moved to Kya Sands I don’t get to go that often… however they have expanded their footprint and you can find all the details here.

They try to source their ingredients through rural communities – and uplifting these communities in the process. The products contain natural ingredients.

So let’s get to their gifting range…

Christmas Crackers: R80
We all love Christmas crackers and usually it is quite a let-down… but these ones have 3 medium fizz balls that will have the recipient squeal in delight. Plus you don’t have to wrap it, the cracker packaging is really nice. (I actually have one in my secret stash I hide from hubby.)

Matsimela crackers

Square Christmas Box: R50
This is what people would call a stocking filler. At R50 for a large fizz ball it is a really nice touch if you want to spoil someone rotten without breaking the bank. Personally I love adding more than one item into a gift but don’t always want to break the bank…

Matsimela Gift box

Gold Filigree Box: R120
This is a value for money gift, beautifully packaged, you just need to write a name on it. In the box is a 200g Red Berry hand cast soap and large fizz ball.

Matsimela Gold Filigree Box

Loofah Gift Bag: R160
I was actually looking at this last time I was in their Kya Sand shop and I was thinking I would love to get my mom one, but I opted to buy her a big tub of bath salts. The Loofah Gift Bag come in 3 variations but you get a bath soak and glycerine soap. Choose between ginger and lime, red berry and baobab seed.

Matsimela Loofah

If like me you have a Christmas with mother-in-law, then one in KZN and then one with family in Limpopo it is always good to buy gifts that travel well. Plus I know that my mom and sister love their goodies already, because I have given them so much of it (so guess what they are getting again).

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3 Mins Read

Under the Christmas tree – gifts made with love in Africa: Rain Africa

There is like 14 days before Christmas and I know some of you have left gift shopping for last minute – something that I just can’t do. So to help all the last minute bunnies I asked some of my favourite local brands to let me know what they have for under R200 that would make a great gift.

First up I have some lovely gifts from Rain starting from R45! The best way to shop from Rain is to go in store, because it’ll be like a mini vacation for your senses plus you don’t have to stress about delayed deliveries just before Christmas due to bad weather (it happens, OK). The best thing is, you probably won’t even have to wrap it, because you’ll get it in their nice packaging – just add a tag or card.

Waterlily fizz ball: R45
We can all do with something to help us get into the relaxed holiday mode and there is nothing like a fizz ball. You can watch it dissolve and then soak in the glorious scented water for hours. Spoil someone with one of these.

Cleopatra Gold and milk butter ball: R75
Imagine being Cleopatra and getting a butterball with gold leaf… Soak in luxurious rice and coconut milk with added nourishing shea butter by candlelight. Now, just to be safe buy for yourself and quickly wrap the gift intended for your favourite friend/sister/cousin.

3 Wedge soaps on a bamboo mat: R158
Know someone with sensitive skin? This is the perfect gift for them. The natural glycerine soaps have a mixture of essential oils and come in wild cotton, peppermint & eucalyptus, and waterblommetjie on their own little bamboo mat. So it is basically a gift with 4 pieces.

Savannah body dusting powder with bulu brush: R189
This is one of my favourites… it reminds me of my grandmother that used to douse herself in talc powder – but it just smells better than what she used to use. This is a little linen bag with feather bulu brush and talc powder that can be used to dust in the areas where moisture linger after a bath or shower. The fragrance of this is beautiful.

Votive candles: R195
I love candles and have quite a selection that will set the mood for just about any occasion. I like it even more when they come in their own little clear glass vase. If you haven’t been to Rain yet, their votive candles are made from natural vegetable wax – making it the perfect gift even for that vegan friend you never quite know what to buy.

Let me know what you love from Rain and if you got to do some last minute shopping in one of their delicious stores.

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Celebrating 10 Years of (LOCAL) Organic Skin Care: Pure Beginnings

It’s always so fantastic when you read about the successes of local brands like Pure Beginnings. This year they have reached the 10 year milestone! That is huge…

Pure Beginnings celebrates 10 years

Who’s behind the brand?

In 2006 Kate Moore-Gordon, a chartered accountant, acquired a natural diabetic supplement business. She grew the supplement range to include a natural diabetic foot cream… and then she saw natural and organic products in a new light.

Not long after Kate realised that there was a gap in the market for an organic baby skin care range. And that is how Pure Beginnings started…

Pure Beginnings

In the beginning Pure Beginnings was only available at selected independent health stores – whilst the team kept developing and expanding the range into a full baby range and a range for adults.

After 6 years Pure Beginnings landed on the shelves at Baby City countrywide. It huge victory for a small company.

Ingredients & Organic Certification

Pure Beginnings uses a range of botanicals specifically chosen for their mildness and suitability to sensitive skin. They also do not ingredients banned by Ecocert.

Ingredients used include: Aloe Extract, Chamomile, Coconut Oil, Baobab Fruit Extract, Tea Tree Oil, Shea Butter, Rooibos Leaf Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Orange Peel Oil, Marula Oil, Inulin, Rose Geranium Oil, Xylitol, Lavender Oil, Ylang Ylang Flower Oil and Kalahari Melon Oil.

Pure Beginnings has carried the Ecocert organic certification since 2014.

For more information visit the Pure Beginnings website.

When Lexa was born we received a bunch of stuff and in there was a gift bag with bum creams from Pure Beginnings… we only finished using it about 3 months ago. As South Africans we should always try support local first. Not only does it create jobs – it’s also a smaller green footprint we leave.

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African Extracts Facial Oil and Hand Cream
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Testing a Facial Oil from African Extracts…

Last week Friday I popped into Nelson Mandela Square here in Joburg for a quick breakfast with African Extracts. The food was to die for. I had a sandwich with hummus, avo and rocket leaves – and I scoffed it down unashamedly… even though I was full at the halfway mark. (That is what Tasha’s will do to you.)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ6FVGMj_lc/?taken-by=hartskos

Anyway, on the table there was a gift bag for each of us with the African Extracts Rooibos Facial Oil and hand cream. I think I was the first to dive right in and rip open the boxes.

I’m on a super high after trying another local brand – so I have high hopes for this dry facial oil from African Extracts. I tried it for the first time last night – and left out my night cream. This morning I still have no wrinkles.

I’m going to try it for a few weeks and see what happens.

[Next keyword: Beauty without Cruelty]

Bonus, if this facial oil works it is only R180… and you can check out all their products on www.africanextracts.com.

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Yungskin - beauty review - beauty blogger
4 Mins Read

A quick review: Yungskin

I have been using Yungskin for just over a month now. At first I was quite skeptical… but was pleasantly surprised by this local beauty range.

When I went to the introduction/launch and they talked about the ingredients, vegan-friendly, paraben-free and the like – I was quite keen to try it out. I can now say that I believe them – my skin didn’t become irritated and it looks like I did a radical treatment to have it looking younger.

Yungskin Natural Beauty

What I liked about the Yungskin range

I am going to put this out there, this range is quite different from the normal “drugstore” ranges I have ever used. Everything in this range smells like flower blossoms – without the cheap chemical smell you sometimes get.

When I was in high school I used a range made from Avocado by a company near Tzaneen. It was also all natural and really amazing on my skin – but then I couldn’t get my hands on it when I moved to Joburg – Yungskin, reminds me of that.

  • The Yungskin Night Cream is really nice and thick and the next morning my skin looked hydrated. It also seemed to get rid of the frown lines between my eyes… bonus!

Yungskin Night Cream

  • The Yungskin Day Cream wasn’t oily. My makeup stayed on without looking melted…

Yungskin Day Cream

  • Yungskin Toner – I usually don’t like to use toner as it always feels sticky. However the toner from this range I didn’t mind because it went on and it felt nice, non-sticky. The price on this is R100 for 100ml – so it is definitely affordable.

  • Yungskin Face Wash – I used it for a whole month at night only and I’m not even half into the bottle. At R90 for a 100ml I would buy it again. The blossom aroma I loved!

  • Yungskin FOOD – I really liked the drops in my water! It didn’t change the taste and it may just be psychological, but I felt energised. I generally don’t drink any vitamins as I can’t get pills down, but this just goes into my water. It is a 30ml bottle for R175 – but you only take 10 drops in the morning… so it can last more than a month. It contains:
    • Minerals – Silica; Magnesium Phosphate; Calcium Fluoride; Potassium Sulphate; Sodium Phosphate
    • Stress Essence – Containing the essences of the following flowers: Comfrey; Dune Calendula; Dandelion; Lavender; Pelargonium; Sweet Pea; Orange Pincushion; Sweet Chestnut; Larch

  • Yungskin Sunscreen SPF 40 – spent a day out at the Voortrekker Monument and my face, neck and shoulders didn’t get burnt. I love the consistency, it wasn’t oily and it feels like it moisturises as well. Definitely keeping this in my travel bag.

What I didn’t like about Yungskin

  • The day cream is really thick – and I had to check, on the days I go makeup free, that I had no white cream stripes on my face. The day cream felt heavy as I applied, but worked fine with my makeup. I also had to apply sunscreen on top of the day cream… I prefer an all in one.
  • When I finally checked out the pricing on the website I almost fell on my back. The day and night cream is waaaaay out of my budget at R395 and R410 for a 50ml tub! The rest of the items compare in price with similar products.

If you want to splurge on a vegan-friendly beauty range – Yungskin should definitely be on your shopping list.

The world’s first energy-infused skincare line based on Acupuncture face-lift points.

Yungskin is a natural-based skincare range manufactured in South Africa. The first of its kind, it was developed on the principles of homeopathy and acupuncture. Created by renowned homeopath and acupuncturist Dr Philip Sherwin, Yungskin products are energised using quantum energy science and cellular stimulation principles. The products are infused and energised through a high-tech process in order to stimulate acupuncture face lifting points on the face and neck at a deep cellular level. When used correctly, the range can yield the same results as an acupuncture face lift procedure, but without the needles and the pain. Yungskin products regenerate the skin’s natural vitality and youthfulness, reduces fine lines and wrinkles significantly and with regular use, the skin takes on a more youthful appearance.

The products were designed to complement one another, and to achieve the best results, a five-step approach is recommended: Wash – Tone – Moisturise – Feed – Sunscreen.

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Trying out Yungskin a South African beauty range
2 Mins Read

Have you heard of Yungskin? I’m going to test it out…

I love being able to test all these new products that I get. Sometimes I only get to really test them out a few weeks after an event, but… let me introduce you to Yungskin.

Yungskin

I went to an event for Yungskin and was surprised to meet Dr Sherwin (Homeopath, Acupuncturist, Naturopath and Reflexologist) who actually created the range.

Yungskin is the world’s first energy-infused skincare line based on Acupuncture face-lift points. It is designed to help restore the skin’s vitality, reduce the visible signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles, and rejuvenate and regenerate skin cells for a more youthful appearance.

I’m always skeptical about new products, but if it is natural… I’m willing to try it out. I haven’t looked at the prices on their website yet – because I want to keep an open mind about the products.

Where is it from?

Made in South Africa, down in the Cape. No animal testing, vegan and paraben-free…

Testing it out

This week I’m going to shelf all my current products and try out Yungskin for a month and let you know how it goes.
There is also a Yungskin Food with dropper for my water… so let’s see how long I can use it. Tasted it, and it is flavourless.

I am going to follow their 5-step approach to get the best results possible (Wash – Tone – Moisturise – Feed – Sunscreen).

In the meantime you can find out more about them on:

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